NMC - Lithium Chemistry

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NMC - Has been in use since 2008 as the most popular chemistry for smaller applications and continually being improved. some independent reports and facts can be found below

Source : Battery University www.batteryuniversity.com

you may also look at https://sinovoltaics.com/learning-center/storage/nmc-batteries/ OR

https://lghomebatteryblog.eu/en/this-is-why-ncm-is-the-preferable-cathode-material-for-li-ion-batteries/ AND https://technoluxpro.com/en/akkumulyatory/batarei/li-nmc.html

One of the most successful Li-ion systems is a cathode combination of  nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC). Similar to Li-manganese, these systems  can be tailored to serve as Energy Cells or Power Cells.  For example, NMC in an 18650 cell for moderate load condition has a  capacity of about 2,800mAh and can deliver 4A to 5A; NMC in the same  cell optimized for specific power has a capacity of only about 2,000mAh  but delivers a continuous discharge current of 20A. A silicon-based  anode will go to 4,000mAh and higher but at reduced loading capability  and shorter cycle life. Silicon added to graphite has the drawback that  the anode grows and shrinks with charge and discharge, making the cell  mechanically unstable.

The secret of NMC lies in combining nickel and manganese. An analogy  of this is table salt in which the main ingredients, sodium and  chloride, are toxic on their own but mixing them serves as seasoning  salt and food preserver. Nickel is known for its high specific energy  but poor stability; manganese has the benefit of forming a spinel  structure to achieve low internal resistance but offers a low specific  energy. Combining the metals enhances each other strengths.

NMC is the battery of choice for power tools, e-bikes and other  electric powertrains. The cathode combination is typically one-third  nickel, one-third manganese and one-third cobalt, also known as 1-1-1.  This offers a unique blend that also lowers the raw material cost due to  reduced cobalt content. Another successful combination is NCM with 5  parts nickel, 3 parts cobalt and 2 parts manganese (5-3-2). Other  combinations using various amounts of cathode materials are possible.

Battery manufacturers move away from cobalt systems toward nickel  cathodes because of the high cost of cobalt. Nickel-based systems have  higher energy density, lower cost, and longer cycle life than the  cobalt-based cells but they have a slightly lower voltage.

New electrolytes and additives enable charging to 4.4V/cell and higher to boost capacity. Figure 7 demonstrates the characteristics of the NMC.

There  is a move towards NMC-blended Li-ion as the system can be built  economically and it achieves a good performance. The three active  materials of nickel, manganese and cobalt can easily be blended to suit a  wide range of applications for automotive and energy storage systems  (EES) that need frequent cycling. The NMC family is growing in its  diversity.

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide: LiNiMnCoO2. cathode, graphite anode
Short form: NMC (NCM, CMN, CNM, MNC, MCN similar with different metal combinations) Since 2008Voltages3.60V, 3.70V nominal; typical operating range 3.0–4.2V/cell, or higherSpecific energy (capacity)150–220Wh/kgCharge (C-rate)0.7–1C, charges to 4.20V, some go to 4.30V; 3h charge typical. Charge current above 1C shortens battery life.Discharge (C-rate)1C; 2C possible on some cells; 2.50V cut-offCycle life1000–2000 (related to depth of discharge, temperature)Thermal runaway210°C (410°F) typical. High charge promotes thermal runawayCost~$420 per kWh[1]ApplicationsE-bikes, medical devices, EVs, industrialComments 2019 Update:Provides high capacity and high power. Serves as Hybrid Cell. Favorite chemistry for many uses; market share is increasing.
Leading system; dominant cathode chemistry.Table 8: Characteristics of Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)